NewSchool of Architecture & Design — Attraction in San Diego

I’m a recent graduate with a BA in Interior Architecture from NewSchool. I still remember my first campus visit. I was just walking around the neighborhood when I decided to stop by the building and ask for a tour. It was summertime, so the school was quiet, but the enrollment team welcomed me with open arms. I even got to meet Elena, who was the Dean of Design at the time. She was so kind and genuine, and her Italian accent made me feel instantly at ease, especially since I’ve always been a little self-conscious about my own. She told me not to worry, because many of the professors at NewSchool come from different parts of the world. That stuck with me. I’ve always loved diverse environments, and I knew right then that this was a place where I could belong and grow. NewSchool isn’t your traditional school—and that’s what makes it special. To thrive here, you have to be open to change and willing to be challenged in new ways. You’re encouraged to think for yourself, question conventions, and carve your path. It’s not always easy, but that’s what makes the experience powerful. Throughout my time at NewSchool, most of my professors were incredibly supportive. I was a full-time student while also working full time, and many of them went out of their way to help me balance both. Architecture school is demanding—you need passion, resilience, and a real commitment to your goals. But what makes NewSchool stand out is how much the faculty cares. They understand that every student is different, and they truly want you to succeed. Now that I’ve graduated and joined the NewSchool team professionally, I’ve had the chance to see even more of the transition the school is going through. I believe NewSchool is evolving in a direction that reflects the real world—diverse, innovative, and forward-thinking. Change isn’t always easy, especially in a creative field, but I believe the leadership here understands what the future demands. Since the passing of Marvin J. Malecha, many have stepped up to carry on his legacy. The pandemic also brought big challenges to higher education. But through it all, NewSchool continues to push forward—and I’m proud to be part of that journey. If you’re someone who wants to think differently, who embraces diversity, and who’s ready to grow not just as a designer but as a person, then I think you’ll find your place here,...

If you want to be challenged to the brink of your last level of sanity, here is the place to gain that level of time management. Also, you have some wonderful professors who are Harvard grads, who've worked with Peter Eisenman, Zaha Hadid, and Alvaro Siza. There are professors who have graduated from Princeton and also teach part-time at Woodbury, professors who formerly ran things in the city of San Diego, and professors who were former mayors. The school is very plugged into the happenings in San Diego, so if you want to get your career started here, this is the place to be. It rivals Woodbury in that it is more geared towards real world work ethic. The visiting professors are international and well-known, and the Interior Design department adds an extra charm as you will have access to...

I have been going to Newschool for three years now and I feel extremely fortunate. I have met some of the most passionate, intelligent, and design-minded instructors here. I am continuously amazed by all of the wonderful opportunities that Newschool has to offer. As a student who is very involved, Student Council President, AIAS member, Library Aid, and Student Life Aid, I can say that the complaints that I've heard always come from those who expect to be handed things. With any school, this is not, and should not be, the case. Newschool provides you with the tools and it is up to students to take advantage of them. If you don't have the drive to do so, this is not the school for you. The school has undergone serious change and has improved immensely over the last 3 years. I foresee this...